Visceral Fat

Definition

Visceral fat is the body fat that is stored within the abdominal cavity and surrounds vital organs like the liver, stomach, and intestines.

Scientific / Technical Definition

Visceral fat, also known as intra-abdominal fat, is fat tissue that accumulates around internal organs within the abdominal cavity. It is different from subcutaneous fat, which is found underneath the skin. Visceral fat is particularly concerning because of its association with various metabolic disorders and cardiovascular diseases.

Benefits

• Protecting internal organs by providing cushioning.
• Insulating the body to preserve heat.

Examples

Additional Information

• Effects: While necessary in small amounts, excess visceral fat has been linked to increased risk of metabolic issues, such as insulin resistance, type 2 diabetes, heart disease, and certain cancers.

Related Terms

• Subcutaneous Fat
• Body Fat Percentage
• Abdominal Obesity
• Metabolic Syndrome

References

• The dangerous link between visceral fat and health issues
• Visceral Fat and Its Measurement